A group of Iraqi opposition figures is in Iraq for talks with the government about the possibility of change and a new constitution.

Saddam's son Qusay (R) rumoured to be planning an inclusive government

Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has ruled the country with an iron fist since 1979.

But members of the little-known Iraqi National Alliance are now in Baghdad - the first dissidents to respond to a call by the Iraqi president for exiles to return.

The opposition figures have met Iraq's number two, Ezzat Ibrahim, and are hoping to meet with President Saddam.

'Promise for change'

Abdul Jabbar el-Qubaysi, chairman of the group, said they had been promised that a new constitution would be drawn and that new political parties would be allowed as well as independent newspapers.

Mr el-Qubaysi fled Iraq in 1976. His two brothers were executed in the early 1980s.

He said he was not afraid to return because he believed the government's promise for real change.

There have been rumours that the Iraqi president's son, Qusay, was planning to form a new government that would include independent and opposition figures.

But Mr el-Qubaysi said he and his colleagues would not agree to participate in any government and would remain in the opposition.

Saddam Hussein's recent political overtures have been denounced abroad as a ploy.

Iraqi dissidents say the Iraqi leadership is trying to enlist support from opposition figures in exile.

The opposition figures now in Baghdad have maintained some ties with the Iraqi regime over the years and would therefore be willing to return to Iraq and show support for the Iraqi president at this crucial time.